Rockford, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
147,521
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,752/yr
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
67,423
-0.9% year-over-year change

Rockford population

How many people live in Rockford

Rockford is home to 147,521 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.5% of Rockford locals are male, and 51.5% are female.

Total population
147,521
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
71,558
Female
51.5%
75,963
Value Percent YoY change
Male 71,558 48.5% -0.4%
Female 75,963 51.5% 0.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Rockford is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.9% are children under 15, then 13.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.2% of the population, while another 23.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.9%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 44
25.2%
45 to 64
23.9%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 29,388 19.9% -2.0%
15 to 24 19,548 13.2% 2.5%
25 to 44 37,098 25.2% -0.5%
45 to 64 35,287 23.9% -1.8%
Over 65 26,200 17.8% 3.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Rockford, 86.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 52.6% of locals are Caucasian, 19.9% are African American and 3.7% have Asian roots. Another 1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 9.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 13.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.8%
Non-citizens
7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 127,152 86.2% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10,103 6.8% 1.3%
Non-citizens 10,266 7% 1.6%
Racial breakdown
White
52.6%
Black or African American
19.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
3.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
13.6%
Other
9.1%
Value Percent
White 77,558 52.6%
Black or African American 29,408 19.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,525 1%
Asian 5,436 3.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 96 0.1%
Two or more races 20,037 13.6%
Other 13,461 9.1%

Households in Rockford

A peek inside Rockford households

Rockford has 61,324 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.4% are families, while the remaining 42.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
61,324
-0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
26,149
Family households
35,175
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 26,149 42.6% 0.9%
Family households 35,175 57.4% -1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Rockford

The housing landscape of Rockford

Rockford's housing consists of 67,423 units, with 61.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
67,423
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 41,498 61.6%
1 unit, attached 3,046 4.5%
2 units 6,543 9.7%
3 or 4 units 4,752 7%
5 to 9 units 3,360 5%
10 to 19 units 2,757 4.1%
20 to 49 units 1,364 2%
50 or more units 3,711 5.5%
Mobile home 375 0.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 17 0%
Homes built since 2020
84
21.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rockford

In Rockford, the median construction year is 1963. About 22.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 15,093 22.4% -0.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5,140 7.6% -3.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 11,146 16.5% -2.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 9,275 13.8% -1.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 9,425 14% 3.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 6,215 9.2% -1.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6,013 8.9% -5.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,019 6% 1.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,013 1.5% 14.5%
Built in 2020 or later 84 0.1% 21.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Rockford occupancy rates

Out of the 61,324 occupied housing units in Rockford, 55% are owner-occupied, while 45% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
61,324
-0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
27,627
Owner occupied
33,697
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 27,627 45% -2.7%
Owner occupied 33,697 55% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
9.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Rockford housing costs

Housing costs in Rockford come to a median of $963 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $985.

Median housing costs per month
$963/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Rockford
$985/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Rockford

Rockford education at a glance

About 42.4% of the population in Rockford went to high school, while 22.3% pursued college studies. Another 8.5% earned an associate degree and 13.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5,906 5.3% 0.9%
High school diploma 47,378 42.4% 2.0%
College diploma 24,916 22.3% -3.2%
Associate degree 9,520 8.5% 0.3%
Bachelor's degree 15,181 13.6% -3.5%
Graduate degree 8,943 8% 7.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Rockford

How much people earn in Rockford

The average annual household income in Rockford was $74,515 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,752, reflecting a +2.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rockford
$74,515/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rockford
$54,752/year
2.7% year-over-year change

Rockford income by age

In Rockford, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $55,407. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,524 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,675, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,581 in earnings. Overall, 78.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,675 -12.8%
25 - 44 $55,407 9.8%
45 - 64 $63,524 4.2%
Over 65 $47,581 0.2%
Above poverty level
112,208
Below poverty level
30,119
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 112,208 78.8% 0.5%
Below poverty level 30,119 21.2% -2.1%

Average renter income in Rockford

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rockford, their median household income was $32,366 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,366
Rent-to-income ratio
36.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Rockford

Workforce and job types in Rockford

The job market in Rockford is powered by 63,139 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 72.9% are employed by private companies, and 10.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
63,139
-0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
43,205
Blue collar
19,934
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 43,205 68.4% -0.8%
Blue collar 19,934 31.6% 0.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
72.9%
Governmental workers
10.6%
Not for profit companies
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,405 7% 8.5%
Private companies 46,025 72.9% -1.8%
Governmental workers 6,711 10.6% 6.0%
Not for profit companies 5,998 9.5% -1.4%
Unemployment rate
8.5%
-2.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rockford stands at 8.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Rockford

How people get around in Rockford

Commuting methods vary: 86% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 52,886 86% -2.6%
Taxicab 506 0.8% 22.5%
Bus or trolleybus 507 0.8% -10.3%
Subway or elevated 42 0.1% N/A
Ferryboat 34 0.1% 9.7%
Motorcycle 59 0.1% 9.3%
Bicycle 90 0.2% -10.9%
Walk 772 1.3% -6.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Rockford by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61101 19,318 7,750 $46,163 $62,013
61102 15,937 6,047 $46,599 $67,029
61103 22,869 9,866 $51,161 $68,897
61104 17,222 7,672 $33,772 $49,914
61107 30,765 12,883 $78,574 $101,512
61108 30,355 12,102 $64,415 $76,769
61109 26,768 11,196 $62,973 $80,321
61114 15,325 6,464 $85,568 $110,573

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FAQs about Rockford demographics 

What is the total population of Rockford?

Rockford has a total population of 147,521 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rockford?

The gender ratio in Rockford is as follows:
  • 48.5% males (71,558 residents)
  • 51.5% females (75,963 residents)

What is the median age in Rockford?

The median age in Rockford is 37.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rockford?

The age distribution in Rockford is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.9% (29,388 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.2% (19,548 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.2% (37,098 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.9% (35,287 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (26,200 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rockford?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rockford is as follows:
  • White: 52.6% (77,558 residents)
  • Black or African American: 19.9% (29,408 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (1,525 residents)
  • Asian: 3.7% (5,436 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (96 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.6% (20,037 residents)
  • Other: 9.1% (13,461 residents)

What percentage of the population in Rockford are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.2% of the population in Rockford.

How many housing units are there in Rockford?

There are 67,423 housing units in Rockford, reflecting a -0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Rockford and what is the average household size?

Rockford has a total of 61,324 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rockford?

Rockford has a median household income of $54,752, representing a +2.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rockford?

The employment rate is 91.5% in Rockford, with a workforce of 63,139 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.4% (43,205 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.6% (19,934 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (4,405 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.9% (46,025 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.6% (6,711 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.5% (5,998 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025